Maybe the Sixers are waking up from a nearly three-week slumber that would surely be considered a bad dream. After a nine-game (and seven-loss) wait, Joel Embiid will make his season debut tonight when the Sixers take on the New York Knicks.

The Sixers and their fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. “Everyone was beyond excited to have him back,” said Andre Drummond, who started at center with Embiid out. “He looks good.” He looks ready.

Tyrese Maxey’s hamstring injury is still healing, but at least the All-Star big man can start to develop chemistry with Paul George. The goal, of course, is for the Big Three to be healthy and healthy for the playoffs.

That will mean a lot of load management ahead, but at least tonight fans can expect to see Embiid take on Karl-Anthony Towns and a Knicks team that bounced them out of the playoffs in May.

As long as the big stays healthy, the Sixers have hope.

—Jim Swan, @phillysport, [email protected].

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The Eagles often built their defense from the back line, investing heavily in big bodies up front.

But this year, the linebackers and cornerbacks are leading the way for Nick Sirianni’s team, especially newcomers like Zack Baun, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Sunday provided perhaps the best example yet, as the Eagles defense forced five turnovers in a 34-6 rout of Dallas. Even maligned pass rusher Bryce Huff got involved in a strip-sack. Here’s everything we learned from the Eagles fifth consecutive victory.

Speaking of Sirianni, this short week before Thursday’s game against the Washington Commanders is an exciting experience for the fourth-year head coach. Sirianni, who makes no secret of his love for preparation, says he enjoys the challenge of coaching a team for an opponent on such a tight schedule.

“I always think it’s a good thing to bond between the coaches,” Sirianni said of Thursday’s games. “There are always cool stories that get out of this.

Mikal Bridges started the conversation with his Villanova coaches about redshirting as a freshman with the budding powerhouse, an early sign of maturity. “I don’t know if there’s a player in our program who has ever benefited (better) from a redshirt year than Mikal,” said Ashley Howard, who was a Villanova assistant at the time. Bridges became a two-time NCAA champion and All-American at Villanova, a Sixers NBA lottery pick and played for the Suns, Nets, and is now finally a “Nova Knick.” The Inquirer’s Gina Mizell takes a closer look at Bridges improbable trip to New York.

Matvei Michkov returned to the Flyers lineup Monday after sitting out two games as a healthy scratch.

John Tortorella previously called the benching “part of the process”, with Michkov not performing to the coach’s liking at five-on-five. Did Michkov learn anything from watching two games from the press box?

The Flyers’ 4-3 shootout victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday provided a small glimpse, as the Russian winger played 15 minutes, 55 seconds and recorded two points, including a shootout goal.

During last spring training, Phillies catcher JT Realmuto dismissed the idea that he needed more rest. Instead, Realmuto hoped he would be able to overcome the aging curve of his position. His offseason plan led him to become the first receiver since Yadier Molina to start 130 or more games in his age-33 season. But Realmuto ultimately fell well short of that marker, starting just 99 games. This was largely due to factors beyond his control, such as the meniscectomy surgery on his right knee that sidelined Realmuto for more than a month. But even so, it’s unlikely that 130 housing starts will be expected by 2025. So where will the Phillies turn? find a suitable backup receiver?

Zack Wheeler’s dominant season earned him a finalist spot for the National League Cy Young Award.

Villanova and St. Joseph’s will renew their legendary Big Five rivalry at 5 p.m. tonight at Hagan Arena and there’s a lot to play for. Both entered the season with high expectations, but both suffered surprising losses in the first week. Still, St. Joe’s has its best roster since Billy Lange took over in 2019, and a schedule that could land the Hawks in the NCAA discussions in March. Villanova has the best collection of players that Kyle Neptune had in his third season. And the Big Five framework could make this meeting something special.

On another front, Villanova’s Matthew Hodge awaits a decision from the NCAA after being declared academically ineligible to play.

It’s worth a look

Quiz time

Who led the Sixers in scoring average in 1982-83 when they won their last championship? First, the correct answer will be presented here in the newsletter.

A) Julius Erving

B) Andrew Toney

C) Moses Malone

D) Maurice’s cheeks

What you say about the Eagles

We asked you: Is the Eagles defense that good or is Dallas that bad? Among your answers:

The Eagles defense is certainly much better than earlier in the season, however, Dallas’ offense is horrible even when Dak was playing. Thursday evening will be our biggest test of the season. Playing against a very good QB and a very good team. A lot will be at stake. -Tom G.

The Birds D was really good yesterday. They enjoyed their two quarters and took advantage of every mistake. When they put their third player on the line, the game was over. -Kathy T.

The Eagles defense is very good. Right now, of course, the Cowboys are a very bad team, with major injuries and such. I think Jerry Jones is going to fire everyone after this season. The Eagles are 5th in allowing the fewest points and points per game. They are 5th best against the ground game and 3rd best in allowing the fewest yards and yards per game against the pass. Looks like Coach Fangio’s system is working. Bring in the commanders. -Everett S.

The calendar

Check out a fun game we call Bird Box to test your knowledge. Eagles players past and present.

We compiled today’s newsletter from reporting by Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Lochlahn March, Jeff Neiburg, EJ Smith, Jackie Spiegel and Jonathan Tannenwald.

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Thanks for reading. Bella will be checking the newsletter on Wednesday. -Jim